Everyone living in Wylie can agree on one thing: the town has grown over the last decade. And with that growth, the downtown district has thrived and is now a busy, bustling center of commerce and community. Whether you spend lots of time downtown or you’ve never been, here are 15 things to do in historic Downtown Wylie.
Olde City Park
Bring the kids to play at Olde City Park. Located at the corner of Ballard Avenue and Highway 78, Olde City Park has a playground and plenty of room for the kids to run and play. Adults will appreciate the covered gazebo and abundance of picnic tables. It’s within walking distance to everything located in downtown Wylie, making it a great place to turn the kids loose after (or maybe before!) a quick shopping trip and a nice lunch. In October, Olde City Park becomes the picturesque setting for Hope Under the Stars, a charity event benefiting local non-profit, Hope’s Gate. Olde City Park is also home to Wylie’s favorite foodie event, Taste of Wylie.
Welcome Center at the Brown House
History buffs will love visiting the historic Welcome Center at the Brown House. This Victorian home has been lovingly restored and houses a welcome center for Wylie visitors as well as educational exhibits and events throughout the year.
Shop for a New Outfit
Downtown Wylie is home to several unique boutiques. Shop for children’s clothing and one-of-a-kind finds at Juzt Jaz Boutique. Browse the women’s clothing at Dear Sorella Boutique and Hanna Mae Boutique. Hannah Mae is located inside Ballard Boutique and Bakery, so you can grab a cookie while you’re browsing the dresses. Head down to Sun Lounge for more than a tan; this tanning salon also has an entire wing dedicated to bathing suits and adorable outfits.
Eat
It goes without saying, but we’re going to say it anyway: when in Wylie, eat. Get Mexican food at La Joya or Frankie’s Casa. Want BBQ? Choose from Bold BBQ or Linke’s. Italian lovers will want to stop in at Villa Vinci for pasta and maybe a glass of wine.
Make a Candle
Witty Wicks might be known for its candles, but did you know you can make your own? Stop in on the weekends and during special events for the chance to make your own, personalized candle. While you’re there, check out the cheeky gifts and fun finds.
Browse the Book Store
Sol y Luna is one of downtown Wylie’s newest shops, and this charming little bookshop offers adorable bookish delights along with best-sellers from several genres (but mostly romance, romantasy, fantasy, and thrillers). It also has some fun DIY crafts for kids that you can purchase and take home.
Grab a Coffee
Step into Coffee at the Hub or Shoemaker & Hardt for friendly, attentive service and coffee locals love.
Attend an Event
Downtown Wylie is known for its events, and some of them, like Bluegrass on Ballard and the Pedal Car Races, bring in people from all over the metroplex. Here’s a rundown of what events are happening when:
April: Taste of Wylie
May: Wylie 500 Pedal Car Races and Bluegrass on Ballard
October: Boo on Ballard
December: Wylie Arts Festival, Christmas Parade and Christmas Train
Shop For Your Home
Step into Rick’s Home Store for rustic farmhouse furniture and decor. From leather couches to bars to outdoor seating that is ready to go next to your pool, Rick’s is a staple in Wylie for home goods.
Enjoy an Adult Beverage
Craving a beer, a wine, a whiskey, or a marg? You can find all of those in downtown Wylie. Grab a glass of wine or a sangria slushie at Landon Winery. Head over to Glen Echo Brewing for some Wylie-brewed beers. Stop into Herman Marshall Tasting Room for a bourbon, and cross over to Frankie’s and ask for a premium margarita.
Take a Yoga Class
Take care of yourself and enjoy a yoga class in one of the coolest spaces in Wylie. Yogadana Yoga Studio is located upstairs in an old saloon that has been converted into a stunningly beautiful peaceful space.
Get Cookies
Grab a sweet treat at Say it with Sugar, which is known for all of its treats but especially for its tie-dye cookies!
Make a Hat
Do something different – make yourself a custom, DIY hat at Turquoise Feather Hat Co, in downtown Wylie. Whether it’s a trucker or a cowboy you’re after, TF Hat Co. has the headwear for you. Bring your friends; the hatmaking experience is a ton of fun!
Go to Work
Need to work, but also don’t want to work inside the home? Check out Wylie’s downtown co-working space, Proven Suites. With the amenities you need to get the job done and a location that is perfect for walking across the street and grabbing some Mexican food for lunch, Proven Suites is a great place to knock out some work and also network.
Buy a Plant
Step into Fancy Plants and pick out a new plant bestie. The store has a wide variety of beautiful plants and unique pots that you won’t find elsewhere.